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This week’s Kent business stories include revised Hythe Imperial proposals, a Chartway leadership spotlight and a visit to Rochester manufacturer AliDeck. We also look at Leo’s Angels’ national push for better epilepsy care and Azets’ warning on October tax deadlines. Together, they show how local organisations are shaping places, industries, health innovation and practical support for businesses.

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Ashford-based GSE Group has revised its Imperial Gardens proposals after consulting residents about the Hythe Imperial Hotel, golf course and surrounding seafront. Changes include a 25-metre indoor pool, the town’s first purpose-built gym and retaining Princes Parade open to traffic, alongside safer crossings and improved cycling and pedestrian facilities. GSE owns the hotel and golf course. The consultation drew 465 residents.

The plans also include hotel upgrades, new leisure facilities, a nine-hole golf course, public access improvements and 297 homes. GSE says more than half the site would remain open space, with greater biodiversity and a new heritage trail beside the Royal Military Canal. The planning application has been lodged and is awaiting validation.

➡ Positive plans now offer more for Hythe as GSE Group listens to community

Chartway Partnerships Group’s Chief Development Officer Oliver Jolley explains how early land, planning and partnership work shapes the communities that eventually take form. From identifying opportunities to bringing technical and commercial specialists together, his role focuses on building the relationships and foundations that help developments succeed over the long term.

After experience with St George and Cala Homes, Oliver moved to Kent and joined Chartway as Head of Land before progressing through senior leadership roles. He says the group’s land-led partnerships model, collaboration across disciplines and the chance to revisit thriving neighbourhoods are central to the appeal of development. He also highlights the importance of patience, continuous learning and resilient delivery.

➡ Leadership Spotlight: Oliver Jolley, Chief Development Officer, Chartway Partnerships Group

AliDeck welcomed senior representatives from the Aluminium Federation to its Medway City Estate headquarters, where the company employs almost 100 people. The Rochester manufacturer designs aluminium decking and balcony components for customers across the UK and Ireland, and used the visit to discuss its growth, manufacturing approach and future ambitions.

Talks with ALFED covered British manufacturing, aluminium recycling, resource efficiency, design-led product innovation and workforce development. Both organisations also discussed skills training, sustainability and the evolving regulatory landscape for aluminium businesses, with AliDeck highlighting its recently approved Environmental Product Declarations and its commitment to collaboration across the sector. The company was established in 2019 and specialises in non-combustible balcony systems.

➡ Industry Leaders Visit AliDeck

Kent-based Leo’s Angels is launching a national movement to improve epilepsy care through research, collaboration and digital innovation. Founded by technology entrepreneur Emma O’Brien after the death of her son Leo, the organisation has raised nearly £100,000 in its first year and brings together families, clinicians, researchers, business leaders and technology specialists.

Its inaugural Black Tie Fundraising Gala takes place at Epsom Racecourse on 19 September and will support the next phase of the work. The event coincides with a research collaboration involving Young Epilepsy, the Epilepsy Research Institute UK and the University of Exeter, focused on fragmented health data and more connected care. Around 100,000 children and young people across the UK live with epilepsy.

➡ Kent-based technology entrepreneur launches movement to transform epilepsy care after losing her son

Azets has warned Kent SMEs to plan early for October’s Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE Settlement Agreement deadlines, as higher wage, energy and supply costs continue to put pressure on cashflow. UK Head of Tax Praveen Gupta says firms that fail to prepare could face a difficult autumn when several liabilities fall due.

The adviser says businesses facing pressure should understand their options, including borrowing or a Time to Pay arrangement with HMRC where appropriate. Azets, which has offices across Kent, also urges directors to keep close track of available cash and seek professional advice before payment deadlines become a wider problem. The firm notes that repayment plans depend on individual circumstances and capacity to pay.

➡ Businesses Warned Over Autumn Cashflow Crisis

Haffenden Farm, between Biddenden and St Michaels near Tenterden, has launched a habitat bank across approximately 70 hectares of farmland. The five-generation Hukins family business will restore lowland meadow, woodland, traditional orchard and hedgerow habitats while selling locally based biodiversity net gain units to developers that cannot meet their planning obligations entirely on-site. Read more.

Thanet District Council granted listed-building consent on 19 August for Westwood One’s redevelopment of Margate Winter Gardens. The £8 million project, supported by £4 million from Margate’s Town Deal, would restore the two performance halls and add four bars, a rooftop restaurant, a 100-place drama school, a nursery and vocational-learning facilities. Full planning permission remains outstanding, with a decision expected in September. Read more.

Twist’s Pizza on York Street will close on 6 September, just over a year after opening, with six employees losing their jobs. Director Neal Parton cited higher energy, supplier and employment costs, alongside changes to business rates: the premises’ rateable value has reportedly risen by almost 76% to £16,000 for 2026/27 after the business previously qualified for a zero bill under Small Business Rate Relief. Read more.

On the show this week Paul and Jules was Paul Haben of Simply Double Glazing.

Simply Double Glazing makes it easier for homeowners to deal with one trusted team and one point of contact.

Simply Double Glazing services includes repairs, installations, conservatories and warm roofs.

To listen to this week’s show in full visit Kent Business Radio

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